TAMPA, Fla. — Authorities arrested a Tampa woman on June 15 after they said she was making threats to shoot people at a local business.
According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), officers arrested 38-year-old Bernida Smith after she threatened to shoot patrons at a cigar lounge in the 1700 block of East 7th Avenue.
Witnesses told police that security guards asked Smith to leave for bringing unauthorized liquor into the cigar lounge. According to police, Smith then threatened to come back and shoot patrons at the lounge. Minutes later, police said Smith parked her vehicle in front of the lounge and approached the entrance armed with a shotgun.
Two security guards for the lounge were able to disarm Smith, and she was arrested by officers patrolling in the immediate area, according to police.
Officers found two additional firearms after searching Smith's vehicle, according to police. Smith faces multiple charges, including two felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
“You know, it might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary.
Maybe we should just do away with homeowner associations as a whole.”
South Florida lawmaker Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) says it may be time to do away with homeowners associations altogether, as more Floridians speak out about rising fees, costly lawsuits, and even arrests tied to HOA disputes. He said this week that he is considering filing legislation in the next session that would abolish HOAs statewide.
